By Semira Robinson, Staff Reporter
Previously known as HU Market and Deli, the store has recently reimaged itself as Gorebet and slightly expanded within its range of produce. Gorebet has sat next to Best Cuts Salon and Dulcinea Bar and Grill for quite some time. Although it is considered by locals more of a market than a deli, many stop by for their signature Ethiopian sambusas, priced at $1.50.
“Since it’s right across the street from SOB [Howard School Of Business], I usually stop by when I want a filling snack in between classes,” said sophomore Marilyne Njuraita.
Students and neighborhood residents have used Gorebet as a normal convenience store, however that is bound to become something more impactful to the community now that it has more to offer.
On Monday, Sept. 23, the market’s grand re-opening week began. “Gorebet” means “neighborhood” in Amharic, the natve Ethiopian language. The owner, Neja Ali, chose this name to reflect his Ethiopian roots and culture. In addition to a new image, the store has also introduced new produce. True to its name, this neighborhood market is taking stronger efforts to connect the community to healthier food options and alternatives. During this week were demos for a few of the new products including Qui 2 Life, NativSol, Monkey, and Capitol Kettle Corn.
Qui 2 Life is a woman- and minority- owned beverage brand founded by Tequika Tate, which offers locally made, fresh ginger and chai flavored kombucha. Drinks are typically sold in six-pack size for $17.00 and are used for detox and digestive cleansing. Capitol Kettle Corn is a family owned business operating throughout the Metropolitan Washington, Maryland & Virginia area. This snack is made of all natural ingredients and is a source of fiber with over 20 flavors of kettle corn, prices per package range from $9.99 to $13.99.
Gorebet is now a pickup site for the Market Share, a weekly subscription of fruits and vegetables managed and distributed by Community Foodworks. The produce comes from fresh and local farmers markets. Community Foodworks is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to creating strategies or techniques for an equitable and resilient community-based food system.
Their “Pop-Up Food Hub” delivers fresh produce to dozens of communities and institutions across the city. This serves to demonstrate a new method of local food distribution, in that farmers markets are the platform that connects local producers to new and familiar consumers. Rather than taking weekly trips to the grocery, students and residents can pick essential foods and appliances locally at Gorebet or have them delivered.
Ali’s dedication to improving the community starts with his store and what he offers in inside.
“More and more, our customers are looking for healthier, fresher food and beverage options. My family and I are proud to offer a new selection of products to meet this demand, support local entrepreneurs while doing it, and continue honoring our Ethiopian heritage and sense of community,” said Ali.
Gorebet is located at 2606 Georgia Avenue Northwest, Washington, D.C.
